Lithuanian Radio and Television

ČERNIAUSKAITĖ Saliamona, journalist, Vilnius

We, the young people, had only seen people shooting in movies. We couldn't believe that a loaded gun could be aimed at us. But that's what happened as we stood by the Radio and TV building, shoulder to shoulder, with our hands clenched tightly. The crowd was singing and chanting: “Lithuania! Lithuania!" Tanks rattled along the street. Shots rang out. ..Let's not get scared. Those aren't real cartridges", encouraged a trembling guy in our row.

But through the smoke screen we could see people falling down. I saw a paratrooper attack a woman and hit her in the head with a gun...

We returned home with hearts that will be injured for the rest of our lives. Shrieking ambulances were rushing non-stop.

The Red Cross Hospital asked people to give blood. Crowds of pupils, students and other people of Vilnius went to the hospital through the streets of the Old Town.